MICHAEL

The drive home was quiet, save for the patter of rain on the windshield.

Aliana sat beside me, her hands clutching her lap, her gaze fixed on the trickles of water running down the window.

Each time lightning flashed across the sky, I caught a glimpse of her face: exhausted, defensive, still furious.

Angry at Dominic. Upset with me. Maybe frustrated with herself, too. I couldn't blame her.

She remained silent, but her silence resonated more than the thunder; still, I felt no remorse